This topic is about someone who has been living with an ileostomy for 25 years and is currently dealing with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) while on a long-term, high-dose amoxicillin treatment for a jaw-bone infection. Here are some insights and advice shared in the discussion:

- The individual is taking 4,000 mg of amoxicillin daily and has recently experienced two painful UTIs. They are wondering if these infections could be related to their ileostomy or changes in their internal plumbing due to the ostomy.

- Before visiting the doctor, they noted that they typically had only 1–2 UTIs per year, but the frequency and severity have increased since starting the amoxicillin.

- After seeing the doctor, it was suspected that the infection might be a bladder infection moving towards the kidney, likely caused by E. coli. The individual realized they might have been self-contaminating by not washing hands between emptying the ostomy bag and urinating. They have since changed their routine to urinate first, then empty the bag.

- The doctor prescribed ciprofloxacin (Cipro) while waiting for urine culture results.

Here are some helpful points to consider:

1. There is no direct anatomical connection between an ileostomy and the urinary tract, so the stoma itself does not cause UTIs.

2. Long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics like high-dose amoxicillin can disrupt normal flora, making one more susceptible to UTIs. It might be worth discussing with the doctor the possibility of adding or switching to a UTI-specific antibiotic.

3. Staying well-hydrated is important, as dehydration can increase the risk of UTIs.

4. Good hand hygiene is crucial. It's recommended to urinate first and then empty or clean the ostomy pouch to avoid cross-contamination.

5. It's important to inform the prescribing physician promptly if new or recurrent UTIs develop while on chronic antibiotics.

6. As a preventive measure, some people find taking a daily D-mannose supplement helpful in reducing recurrent UTIs.